Joann Vaughn Godwin, 75, died Jan. 19, 2015, after a brave five-year battle with ovarian cancer.
Mrs. Godwin was born in Wauchula in 1939. Her father, Preston Vaughn, and mother, Catherine, moved their family of seven to Plant City. Mrs. Godwin graduated from Turkey Creek High School in 1957 and the University of South Florida in 1966. She married Frank Godwin in 1972. They enjoyed traveling together, and had many memorable experiences around the world. Mrs. Godwin was a master gardener, specializing in exotic species of fruits and vegetables. She never met a plant she didn’t like and passed that passion on to her family.
Her parents; brother, Gary M. Vaughn; and sisters, Eunice Garner and Diana Gohr predecease her. She is survived by husband, Frank Godwin; children, Tony Smith, Annalisa Smith, Mike Godwin and Diane McHugh (Mark); grandchildren, Corey and Liam Khaw, and Chelsea and Taylor McHugh; sisters, Gloria Varnadore, Gay Glover (Buddy) and Rhonda Brownlee (Dirk); and numerous loving nieces, nephews, and extended family.
A private remembrance of Mrs. Godwin’s life will be held at a future date.
“The dance of the palm trees, the oceans calling, the first rays of sun and heaven is here.” (Mike Dolan)